Former Matilda Heather Garriock says she’ll continue her fight for better support for footballing mothers

HEATHER Garriock has vowed to continue to fight for change despite the dismissal of her claim of discrimination against Football Federation Australia.

Western Sydney Wanderers Heather Garriock and Sydney FC's Chloe Logarzo after the Launch of the W-League season .Picture Gregg Porteous

HEATHER Garriock has vowed to continue to fight for change despite the dismissal of her claim of discrimination against Football Federation Australia.

The former Matildas star was seeking reimbursement from FFA for the costs of a carer for her daughter Kaizen while on tour, but her claim has been thrown out by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

It once again highlights the multiple challenges female footballers face, especially when they try to return to playing their sport after becoming mothers.

Former Matilda Heather Garriock wants to continue her fight for better support for footballing mums.

On Garriock’s last international tour in 2013 — a two-week trip to the US — she was paid a daily allowance of $150 and match fees of $500 if selected. Her total payments for the tour were $2440, but her child care costs for that period were roughly double that amount.

Garriock was a late inclusion in the Matildas squad for that tour and, with short notice, was forced to pay the airfare and accommodation costs for her mother to look after her then 11-month-old baby.

But her case was thrown out because, at the time, Garriock did not have a Matildas playing contract and under the Collective Bargaining Agreement the issue of taking a child on tour was not covered.

Garriock agreed to go on the tour hopeful that her costs would be reimbursed by FFA, but she was told that it is not the responsibility of the employer to pay for childcare.

Despite being disappointed with the verdict, Garriock hopes to see football adopt a more caring and supportive policy for female players.

“The battle to return to the workforce is a significant one for all mums and football has the capacity to be a leader on this issue,” Garriock said.

“Australian netballers are afforded a policy which sees the governing covering flight and accommodation costs for carers and infants. Football following this lead would ensure that the outstanding progress made by the Matildas was not undermined by not being able to call upon their best players.”

While under Australian law an employer is not obliged to pay childcare costs, there are instances besides netball where female athletes have been afforded financial help by their governing body. Basketballer Abby Bishop, who adopted her niece, has a unique WNBL-childcare contract with the Canberra Capitals and Basketball Australia has also committed to supporting her.

The Professional Footballers Australia has urged FFA to work on a new policy to take the game forward and respect female athletes, while FFA maintain their stance is consistent with that of the law.

“The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) has dismissed Heather Garriock’s complaint, finding that FFA did not discriminate against Heather because of her responsibilities as a carer,” an FFA spokesperson said.

“FFA is committed to providing a family-friendly environment for members of its national teams. In relation to child care, FFA notes its approach is consistent with the general position that paying for child care costs is not the obligation of employers under Australian law”.